Reflections on Sacred Waters: A Poetic Tribute to Grant Teton Lake

In the vastness of nature, where the earth meets the sky and water mirrors the soul, lies a sacred connection that transcends time. Inspired by the serene beauty of Grant Teton Lake, I found myself drawn to the stories and traditions of my ancestors, which culminated in the creation of a deeply personal poem.

My grandfather, or "chei," stood upon the vista of Grant Teton Lake, enveloped in its sacredness. It was here that he felt the call to chant an old song and pray an ancient prayer, a practice passed down through generations. This moment, rich with history and reverence, became the heart of my poem:

As my chei looked upon the vista of Grant Teton Lake in all its sacrednessMY CHEI WAS CALLED TO CHANT AN OLD SONG and to pray an old prayerHe remembered the ancestors telling ofHow they journeyed with positive hope… when they encountered this water, they made offering, song, ceremony, shared language, and clan ship …The water remembers, the soul of it is activated.. it has a memory.. to nourish, to bring life. The songs, old language, greeting water,

is medicine - water is life. So we must teach all our wise peoples to carry on the songs, prayer, mindset to ensure water always will nourish lifeTo’ei’iina

This poem captures the essence of our connection to water—a life-giving force that holds memory and spirit. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our traditions, teaching future generations to honor and protect the sacredness of water.

In a world where the natural elements are often taken for granted, this poem serves as a call to action, urging us to remember our roots and the wisdom of our ancestors. Let us carry forward the songs, prayers, and mindset that ensure water continues to nourish life.

As I reflect on this poetic journey, I am reminded of the power of storytelling and its ability to bridge the past with the present. Through poetry, we can honor our heritage and inspire others to cherish the sacredness of the world around us.